Here Comes the Flu (Season!)

It is estimated that between 5% - 20% of people in the United States get the flu every year. Flu season starts in the fall and really gains strength in January and February. But this pesky virus can continue wreaking havoc well into the spring months.

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to other complications: 

• Pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Hospitalization
• Death in severe cases

It is spread when flu germ droplets land on you via coughs, sneezes or by touching a surface that is laced with the virus. These germ droplets can be anywhere: on shopping cart handles, school desks, phones, books, door handles, etc. The flu virus can live on hard surfaces up to eight hours! To minimize your risk of getting the flu, keep your distance from people who are sick, frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Your best defense against the flu? Get a flu vaccine! Seasonal flu vaccines work by causing antibodies to grow in the body two weeks after vaccination. This year’s vaccines protect against four types of viruses. The type of protection included in each year’s vaccination is different to keep up with the changing flu viruses. The flu vaccine is available as a flu shot or as a nasal spray. 

Don’t fall victim to the old wives’ tale that you’ll get the flu when you get the vaccine! The flu vaccine will NOT cause you to get the flu because the vaccines either do NOT have a flu vaccine virus at all or because the virus has been killed. Some people might feel slightly “under the weather” after the flu shot, but this is not the flu and the symptoms will be short-lived.

If you’re ready to combat the flu this season, contact Dr. Marilyn Kutzscher in San Francisco at 415-923-3560 or marilynkmd.com to schedule your flu shot. If you think you've already contracted the flu, stay home, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and limit your contact with others.